Paradesi Synagogue

Paradesi Synagogue or Cochin Jewish Synagogue or Mattancherry Synagogue is the oldest Synagogue in India and Kerala located in the Cochin City of Ernakulam District . Cochin Jewish Synagogue was built in 1568 by Malabari Jews during the reign of Raja of Kochi, Rama Varma. Cochin Jewish Synagogue Built adjacent to Mattancherry Palace Temple share a common wall. The land was given by the King od Cochin Kingdom to the Jews of Kerala who controlled a major portion of world wide spice trade.

Present Cochin Jewish Synagogue was built under the protection of Dutch patronage and Raja of Cochin as it was destroyed by the Portugeuse. The Synagogue had three kinds of Members The White Jews who were the full time member of Synagogue , The Malabari Jews were not given full membership but were allowed to pray here and The Meshuchrarim free slaves brought by the Sepahardim They sat on the floor or on the steps outside. Now the Synagogue is open fro every tourist as an historic monument . It houses the 10th-century copper plates of privileges given to Joseph Rabban, the earliest known Cochin Jew. It also contains Scrolls of Law , gold crowns , hand-painted porcelain tiles, 18th-century clock tower and many more antique items of historic times.

How to Reach Cochin Jewish Synagogue

By Train – Ernakulam Junction About 11 Km away. It is a major Railway Station of Kerala and is connected to most cities of Kerala and other states.

By Road – It is located in Mattancherry in Cochin city and is connected with city mainland with Thoppumpady BOT Bridge. Cochin city is a major business center and famous tourist spot in Kerala and is well connected by road from all parts of the state as well as other major cities.

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